THERE was a lot of fun in the mud as more than 150 competitors converged from around the world to brave the elements in the World Bog Snorkelling Championships.

The stage for this eccentric sport was a peat bog outside the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales.

It all started with a charity event 30 years ago but the contest now attracts huge crowds that follow with enthusiasm men and women jumping into the weed-infested bog in search of world glory.

The eccentric sport took place in a peat bog outside the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells in Wales (Image: Reuters)

Many people come dressed in different types of costumes and a man who was impersonating the famous singer Elvis Presley joined the carnival atmosphere.

In the middle of all the fun, there was also space for serious competition.

This year the ladies' crown went to Swedish competitor Eva Jonasson who took top honours in a time of one minute 31 seconds.

"I have been a swimmer for a long time and I love swimming, the tougher the greater," Jonasson said after collecting her prize.

150 competitors from around the world braved the elements at this year's championships (Image: Reuters)

The men's champion was serial bog snorkeller 2006 winner Haydn Pitchforth from Leeds, England who regained his world title in a time of one minute and 26 seconds - four seconds quicker than his nearest rival.

Question -1 of 5Score -0 of 0

Which shipyard has Nicola Sturgeon named as the preferred bidder for the £97m Clyde ferry contract?